The widespread COVID 19 pandemic and continuation of the lockdown for a long period has resulted in many migrant labourers and their families stranded, starving with hunger and homeless in the state of Maharashtra. They have become jobless and are likely to suffer the most, but the Jesuits of Bombay Province have been reaching out to the poorest of the poor, the migrants and other effected marginalized and vulnerable communities. In this catastrophe, the Jesuits came forward to reach out to the needy, the poorest of the poor, those who are grappling from lack of sufficient food, the migrants and destitutes. After seeing their pathetic situation, an immediate relief operation was initiated in the affected areas by networking with local NGOs and concerned departments to reach out more than 1718 families and providing dry rations for more than two weeks.

  

FOOD

• More than 1718 families provided with dry rations sufficient for around two weeks.
• Relief work covered in Mumbai, Raigad, Nashik, Thane, Palghar, Dhule, Nandurbar areas.
• More than 500 food packets distributed per day.
• Provided cash, rice, potatoes and vegetables, masks and sanitation materials.
• Distributed dry ration kits as per requirements in the respective areas of work.
• Created awareness about sanitation, hygiene and social distancing.
• Financial Contribution to CM Relief Fund ; Charity Commissioner Disaster Management Fund ; PM CARES and also local NGOs- for the relief work.

SHELTER

• One relief shelter with facilities beddings, Toilet kits, Community kitchen, daily medical checkups etc. was established for more than 100 males and 25 females in collaboration with the Bombay Municipality and the local Corporator.
• Three Jesuits Institutions viz., St. Stanislaus School, Bandra; St. Xavier’s School, Manmad, Nashik District and Gnanmata High School, Talasari, Palghar District were earmarked for providing shelter to labourers and their families. In this way, 73 labourers are being provided shelter and all their needs are being taken care of.

MASKS/GLOVES

• 3000 masks distributed in Andheri (E) through the local police.
• 348 masks distributed in Nandurbar to the local tribals communities.
• 100 pairs of gloves in Andheri(E)

MEDICAL AID

• 90 sanitizer bottles distributed through the police.
• 400 soaps distributed to local tribals.
• 90 PPEs donated to Police
• 10 PPEs donated to the Civil Hospital in Nandurbar
• Medical aid provided to those who are in need.

HUMAN RESOURCE ENGAGED

• More than 23 staff and volunteers and 4 organizations were involved.

VEHICLES DEDICATED FOR RELIEF WORK

Two vehicles have been dedicated for the relief work and for providing aid to victims

FUNDS

• Donated Two Lakh Rupees to CM Relief Fund – Covid 19
• Donated Fifty Thousand Rupees to CHAI ( Catholic Health Relief Association) organization
• Donated Sixty Thousand Rupees to local NGOs

Financial aid provided to victims/migrants

• 22 families were provided financial support of Rs.1000 per family

Facilities in Thermal Screening

• Thermal screening facilities have been arranged e.g., thermal gun, thermometer etc.

IEC Material developed

• To create awareness IEC materials have been developed and distributed such as banners, pamphlets etc.

FUTURE PLAN

As a follow-up, we intend to start some programs on livelihood, economic development, health and skilling for the needy communities in Maharashtra.